In a tragic incident on Thursday morning, the roof of a government school collapsed in Piplodi village of Manohar Thana block, located in Jhalawar district, Rajasthan, leading to the death of seven students and injuries to at least 29 others.
The incident occurred around 8:30 AM, just as students had gathered for their morning assembly at the Government Higher Primary School.
🚨 What Happened
According to preliminary reports, the roof of one of the classrooms collapsed without warning, trapping students underneath the debris. Locals, teachers, and emergency teams rushed to the scene to assist in rescue operations.
- Four students died on the spot, while three others succumbed to injuries later at Jhalawar District Hospital.
- The victims were aged between 14 and 16 years.
- Rescue operations were swift, with more than 30 individuals pulled out of the rubble, though two students remain critical.
🌧️ Cause of Collapse
Officials suspect the collapse was triggered by the poor condition of the building, worsened by continuous heavy rains over the past few days. The school structure had reportedly shown signs of wear and had been the subject of prior complaints.
🏛️ Government Response
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed condolences and directed authorities to:
- Launch an immediate probe into the incident.
- Audit all school buildings across the state for structural safety.
- Provide financial assistance and medical support to affected families.
Education Minister Madan Dilawar acknowledged that prior warnings about the building’s condition had been received and said accountability will be fixed after the investigation.
📌 Summary
This devastating collapse has raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety in government-run schools, especially during monsoon season. As grieving families mourn their loss, the state faces pressure to improve safety standards and prevent such tragedies in the future.